Written by Sarah Parker, AWT member and multi-talented senior freelance writer and content marketerI
There’s nothing worse than psyching yourself up to attend a networking event only to leave feeling like you’ve wasted your time. While it takes a little bit of work to truly find the spaces and people you connect with the most, this list should get you started without having to comb through 1,000 events on Eventbrite.
Whether you’re new to Austin (welcome!) or just getting back out there with in-person networking (it has been a year for layoffs), I hope this list can also be helpful to you. And either way, come say hi if you see me* at one of these events!
Lady Bird Talent’s Hire Women Week + coffee meetups
A community intent on helping women find the jobs and leadership roles they want in the tech industry, Lady Bird Talent offers virtual and in-person networking events. While this year’s Hire Women Week has already passed (keep an eye out for the next one in 2024) they have an upcoming in person Yoga + Coffee Meetup at the Airstream.
If you’re not a yogi, don’t sweat it, that part is optional. Just show up for the coffee and conversation!
FIESTA’s Gathering Together F3
Held monthly, these smaller events are an offshoot of the larger FIESTA community and bring together female founders, funders, and those simply looking for friends. Be ready for a mix of general networking, small group discussions, and specific time to put your asks out there – those can be anything from looking for your next role to looking for new friends to go out on the town with.
For details and to RSVP for the October event, check out the listing on Meetup.
WCA’s Connect Over Cocktails
Women Communicatos of Austin is a professional group and community aimed at bringing together women in communication roles across industries; everything from marketing to PR, journalism, and more. For those in the tech industry, it can be a refreshing break to hear what fellow comms professionals are dealing with in other spaces!
Keep an eye on their events page for the next Connect Over Cocktails – they’re usually held the first Wednesday of every month – and join the conversation. Your first one is free!
Meego’s Austin Freelancer Monthly Meetup
If you’re a freelancer, the free monthly meetup from Meego is a great way to network with the colleagues you won’t find in your home office hiding behind your ficus. Build up your referral network, find fellow freelancers to co-work with when you need to get out of the house, or just have a great time talking shop.
Check out the Eventbrite page to find the next meetup and join the Meego team to check out new spaces around town.
Out in Tech ATX Monthly Mixer
Looking to meet new friends? Searching for new opportunities? Or simply looking to be in a queer space with other fellow humans? Look no further than the Out in Tech ATX Monthly Mixer – everyone is welcome!
Get the details and RSVP on Eventbrite.
More networking resources
Didn’t see anything that spoke to you? Check out these other events and resources to find more networking opportunities around town:
*I’m the 5’10” redhead who is probably talking about my large dog
If you'd like to contribute to the AWT blog, please connect with Leslie M. Dill via LinkedIn or email publicrelations@awtaustin.org
